Roger Federer has posted a heartfelt tribute to rival Rafael Nadal on Instagram after the Spaniard won the Australian Open to become the most decorated male tennis player in Grand Slam history.
The 35-year-old battled back from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in a marathon final that lasted more than five hours. It is the first time Nadal has won the Australian Open since 2009 and the first time he has won a best-of-five match after losing the first two sets since 2007. The triumph is Nadal’s 21st Grand Slam title which is a tally that had never previously been reached in the history of men’s tennis.
Until now Nadal has been tied on 20 major trophies alongside Federer and Novak Djokovic. Federer, who is currently sidelined from the Tour due to a knee injury, has labelled his rival as an ‘inspiration’ to both him and many others around the world.
“What a match! To my friend and great rival Rafael Nadal. Heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles. A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion,” the Swiss maestro wrote in his Instagram story.
“Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world. I am proud to share this era with you and honoured to play a role in pushing you to achieve more, as you have done for me for the past 18 years. I am sure you have more achievements ahead but for now enjoy this one!”
The Australian Open was only the second tournament Nadal had played since August. He was forced to cut his 2021 season short due to a long-term foot injury which flared up. He suffers from Mueller-Weiss syndrome which is a degenerative disease that causes a deformity of one of the bones in the central part of the foot.
Earlier in the tournament the world No.5 revealed that he was considering the possibility of retiring from the sport should his foot condition not improve. Making his run to Grand Slam title No.21 even more impressive. During the trophy ceremony in Melbourne on Sunday he said the win has provided him with ‘plenty of energy to keep going.’
Another player to pay tribute to Nadal is Djokovic who has won the Australian Open a record nine times. The Serbian was prevented from playing in this year’s event after being deported from the country amid a high-profile argument over the legitimacy of his visa.
“Congratulations to Rafael Nadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena,” Djokovic wrote on social media.
“Daniil Medvedev gave it hit all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him.”
Known as the Big Three of tennis, the trio have won 61 Grand Slam titles between them. Nadal and Djokovic have won 13 out of the last 15 Grand Slam titles between them.
